The following post is from the Deal Seeking Mom Project Administrator, Mandi Ehman:
Two weeks ago, I told you how I was using the Palm Pre Plus to get organized.
When I first started reviewing the Palm Pre Plus, I wasn’t sure I would keep it once the review was done since there is an additional monthly fee compared to a regular cell phone. However, so many of the features — browsing the internet, accessing my Google contacts & calendars and scheduling our DVR to record a show even when we’re not home — have made everyday tasks more convenient, and while it’s certainly not a necessity, it’s a splurge that we think is worth the cost.
I’ve found myself using these features the most:
:: Camera. I’ve taken a ton of pictures with my phone, and I think my mom appreciates the chance to see more everyday moments with our baby girl — cuddling with momma while I work, her first time in the exersaucer, her first taste of banana, and so on. And the best part is most of these pictures are great quality, so I don’t feel guilty about not pulling out my nicer camera!
:: Internet browsing. Even though we live in the boonies and don’t get a strong enough cell signal to browse the internet at home, my husband has been enabling the WiFi feature to be able to keep tabs on the NFL Scouting Combine and the start of free agency.
:: Calendars & schedules. Last week we unveiled the Deal Seeking Mom calendar to help you keep track of when deals and roundups are posted. I’ve added these calendars to the personal and business calendars I already have synced with my phone so that I can quickly access my entire schedule wherever I am.
:: Music. I mentioned on Twitter that I’ve never had an MP3 before, and it’s true. Two of my girls have MP3 players and my husband has one, but I’ve never had one or even used theirs. However, I do love music, and I always have a music station playing on the TV or my computer. But with the Pandora app, I’m able to listen to the music I want to listen to right from my phone. And unlike an MP3player, I don’t even need speakers!
Verizon Wireless wants to hear from you too! Enter for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card just for answering any of the following questions or responding to someone else’s comment. Enter as many times as you’d like as long as all of your comments are relevant to the conversation:
- Which feature of the Palm Pre Plus most appeals to you?
- How would you use it to get or stay organized?
- How do you use technology for streamlining and organizing your life?
The giveaway will be open until Wednesday, 3/10 at 4 p.m. EST and is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older. I’ll use Random.org to select the winning comment. Winners will be notified by email and listed on my Giveaway Winners page. Winners must respond within 48 hours of notification to claim their prize. Good luck!
Verizon provided me with a Palm Pre Plus at no charge so that I could review its features for the Deal Seeking Mom readers.
Amber
My phone is pretty primitive, but I use technology for organizing my life, mostly within my PC.
Lynn N.
I agree with Ruth. Being able to access Mapquest when I don’t know where the heck I am would be so useful :)
Amber C
We are getting ready to build a house so that’s what I would use it for! Keeping on top of my “lists” that my husband hates! :)
Amber C
But I agree – I think using it as a type of GPS system when you are lost is great too!
Amber C
I am an online bill paying believer – I think that would be helpful too!
Amber C
Another great way to use it would be to compare prices for items while you are shopping to make sure you’re getting the best deal!
theresa
I have 4 kids going in 4 different directions. I need something to keep all my appointments right at my fingertips. Then maybe I wouldn’t miss so many. LOL
Cindy
I think the calendar option to coordinate my schedule would be wonderful.
Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen)
I use the internet maps all the time. It’s nice to have that in ‘pocket’ form.
Sherri
I would love, love, love the calendar and the ability to integrate the sales into 1 complete calendar. I also have never had an MP3 player, but would love the feature, especially since no speakers are necessary!
Elizabeth
I would love to check out deals while I am actually standing in the store not when I get home!
Rachel (Hounds in the Kitchen)
Bianca, I too would love an upgraded camera phone. The pictures I’m seeing from the Palm Pre Plus are great.
Lynn N.
I’m like you, Oliver. Gotta track those kids!
Lynn N.
I’m with Elizabeth! I’m always missing out on deals because I don’t have access to my mommy blogs.
Melissa
Internet browser is always handy when I’m in Walgreens and need to know the best way to maximize my savings.
nelson
How do you use technology for streamlining and organizing your life?
I work full time and study part time and I need a gadget can help me organize my time and type up some notes fast on the run. It seems Palm Pre is a promising tool for multitasking.
Karen
I would definitley use the web browsing feature. We do not have convenient web browsing on our cell phone and so many times when I’m out and about and wish I could access the internet.
Andrea
I agree that it would be awesome to be able to “look up” a coupon while in the store. I find that I am at the store and want to buy something and wish I had the ability to see if I have a coupon for it somewhere or if I could print one off…
Lynn N.
Great idea, Shanda!
Jenn Mc
Which feature of the Palm Pre Plus most appeals to you?
The camera. Like you said, sometimes I don’t have the time to hunt for my “nicer” camera so this would be a convenient feature!
Chris O
I have the Blackberry Curve, but the Internet features are sluggish and most of the time it is more difficult to access than it is worth. I think the Palm Pre would be be more like the IPhone and have a faster web browser. I use my phone for texts, twitter, email in order to get a quick heads up on good deals and coupons. This is how I supplement my loss of income for our family. I have Verizon and I love the company and will probably get a Palm Pre on my next upgrade.
Kimberly
For those wondering about comparison to ATT and iPhone, I had Verizon Wireless for about 15 years, and I switched to ATT (for the iPhone) not too long back. There is a really noticeable difference – I drop a lot of calls now, where before I literally don’t think I lost one in years. It’s extra bad if both people have iPhones or if I am in a major city.
Lynn N.
The extra data plan would be something I’d be willing to splurge on, since it would save me so much time & make my life easier.
Kimberly
Melanie – the camera does have a flash but doesn’t have autofocus.
Lynn N.
Oh, and it’s a sliding phone! Even more fun!! :)
Lynn N.
I know how you feel, Janis. Sometimes I feel like the little squares on my paper calendar are too small for all the stuff I have to cram into them!
Jessica
I don’t have internet access on my phone, I could have but my phone just doesn’t have the capabilities to make it worth it to me, so that would be a huge plus for me. I also love that its a slider phone, those rock!
Tina
i would say the apps appeal to me…so many are out there now to help you save money…also the camera. I also take tons of pics of my kids and love the clarity!!!
Jennifer H
Ooh I didn’t notice that Lynn. That’s a neat feature, I agree. :)
Brooke
I have an iPhone and I have NO IDEA how I lived without it!
Which feature of the Palm Pre Plus most appeals to you?
I like the camera and internet features.
How would you use it to get or stay organized?
I would use it to keep track of my to-do list and calendar.
How do you use technology for streamlining and organizing your life?
I use my iPhone to keep track of emails, directions to places I need to go, to-do list, and calendars.